Additives for the enhancement of fusion and endocytosis in higher plant protoplasts : An electrophoretic study

A range of additives has been employed to enhance both endocytosis and fusion in isolated higher plant protoplast systems. The effects of these compounds, at various concentrations, on the electrical properties of the plasmalemma have been investigated for a range of protoplast types using methods of whole cell electrophoresis. Enhancement of endocytosis and fusion is considered in terms of electrical repulsion and attraction and the presented data are considered as a guide-line for the design of similar experimental systems.